Mr. KABC

Marc Germain (born May 28, 1967), better known as Mr. KABC and previously known as Mr. KFI, is a popular evening talk show host on KABC AM 790 in Los Angeles.

Related Topics:
May 28 - 1967 - KABC

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Unlike most radio talk shows, which are issue and topic driven, Mr. KABC's primary format is the Ask Mr. KABC format, where one must ask a question to the host (like the television show Jeopardy). In practice, this is loosely enforced, mainly when someone asks "Can I talk about topic?". In the Ask Mr. KABC format, Germain does not employ a screener, nor is there a guest or topic. Germain does pick up the line during commercial breaks to talk to callers on hold, and hangs up on callers who are too young to call the show. The practice evolved from Germain's time as a talk show screener.

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However, there are hours which have guests. Although in the past these people were merely considered "hanging" with Mr. KABC (to not break the format), nowadays they are guests and callers are expected to discuss whatever issues the guest brings up. Comedienne April Winchell is a frequent guest, appearing on Fridays. He hosted the last interview with Wolfman Jack and one of the last interviews with Milton Berle.

Related Topics:
April Winchell - Friday - Wolfman Jack - Milton Berle

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Another feature that Mr. KABC has the Mr. KABC Quiz, which poses three questions to callers in return for on air recognition or a small prize from a sponsor. The quiz is given at the halfway point in the program. Germain has several regular callers: Mr. Non-Sequitur, who spouts off random phrases that have nothing at all to do with the topic, Freddy, a black militant, and Jim Wronski, who occasionally calls to remind Mr. KABC he's his least favorite talk show host.

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Of note is that Germain, under the previous handle of Mr. KFI, was replaced by Phil Hendrie in 1996. Germain threatened legal action when Hendrie mocked Germain under one of Hendrie's characters, David G. Hall. The threat was settled and Germain took up shop at KABC several months after. Mr. KABC advertises no planted callers, which is an indirect reference to Hendrie's radio ventriloquism.

Related Topics:
KFI - Phil Hendrie - 1996

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Marc Germain's brother, Paul, is an animation screenwriter and producer.

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